Cameron Heyward, a 6-foot-6, 280-pound defensive tackle from Peachtree Ridge High School in Suwanee, Ga., made a commitment to sign with Ohio State today at press conference at his school.
He becomes the second verbal in less than a week for the staff’s recruiting efforts, as Glenville standout linebacker Jermale Hines made his commitment last Thursday.
Heyward becomes the 15th member of a recruiting class joining DB Eugene Clifford, WR Taurian Washington, RB, Brandon Saine, DB Nate Oliver, RB Boom Herron, DB James Scott, LB Brian Rolle, DB Donnie Evege, OL Evan Blankenship, DE Solomon Thomas, DB Rocco Pentello, Devon Torrence and the previously mentioned Jermale Hines as the players who have already announced their intentions to sign with Ohio State.
Heyward racked up offers from major programs like Georgia, LSU, Florida, USC and Ohio State, Pittsburgh, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Michigan State, Maryland and Auburn, and took official visits to Florida, Georgia, and LSU before verbaling. Although he has yet to make an official tour of Ohio State’s campus, it may have been an unofficial visit to Columbus for the Michigan game that sealed the deal.
“Ohio State was just great,” Heyward informed Scout.com of his unofficial visit in late November. “The atmosphere, campus and academics are awesome. But I think I was impressed with the coaches the most, especially coach (Jim) Tressel.”
Heyward may have been one of the most highly recruited out of state players that the Buckeyes sign in this class, but he is still going to work hard to get better everyday.
"I'm quick for my size and very agile," Heyward said. "I can fire off the ball and love disrupting the passing game. I need to work on my fundamentals, like staying low and I still want to get a little stronger."
Heyward, a Scout.com four-star prospect, racked up over 100 tackles and 16 sacks as a senior to help lead his team on to a State Championship.
Heyward intends to take his official visit to Ohio State this weekend.
DT Cameron Heyward- (Senior Highlight Clips)- Watch Video
DT Cameron Heyward- (Junior Highlight Clips)- Watch Video
Heyward shows off his new school colors as he chooses the Buckeyes. (Photo Atlanta Journal Constitution)